Kennedy, who has pitched for three previous teams, admits his opening act with the Royals was a little more special in his mind than the others.
"This was a little more added to it," Kennedy said. "You're coming to a new team, coming to play for the defending World [Series] champs. You want to do well. You're coming and pitching at The K -- it's such a great atmosphere. You want it to go right."
And it did. Kennedy was sharp from the onset. He went 6 2/3 shutout innings and gave up five hits while walking one and striking out seven.